TORONTO—A revamped edition of “The National” will be more nimble, multiplatform, and “truly national” when four new but recognizable hosts who vary in age and background take the helm of CBC’s flagship newscast this fall, the public broadcaster says.
Adrienne Arsenault, Rosemary Barton, Andrew Chang, and Ian Hanomansing have been tasked with shepherding in the refreshed version of the “The National” as the network attempts to break free of the traditional solo news anchor following the retirement of Peter Mansbridge.
All four journalists, who will be stationed at various locations across the country, have a storied history with the CBC and have contributed to “The National” over the years.
Arsenault, 50, a senior correspondent, will be based in Toronto; Barton, 41, known for her hard-hitting interviews on “Power & Politics,” will remain in Ottawa; Chang, 34, will stay at the Vancouver studio; and Vancouver-based Hanomansing, 55, long considered a front-runner to replace Mansbridge, will relocate to Toronto.
“If there are four of us, we’re not all going to be on the show every night all the same,” Barton said in an interview following the Aug. 2 news conference revealing the changes. “We are all going to be able to pitch things, go after breaking news, travel.”
The CBC also plans to change some of the show’s format to make it feel more timely in a digital age when news breaks on social media.
